In summer 2023, severe storms made their way through Pennsylvania, causing flash floods and millions in damages. Following such disasters, residents are forced to pick up the pieces and rebuild. During this time, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) stepped in to provide relief, offering financial and personnel resources to assist disaster-stricken communities. However, there is always more that can be done to help.
 
It is for this reason that we will be introducing legislation to expand upon the financial resources available to PEMA. Our bill would establish the Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund, a non-lapsing account specifically designed to be utilized by PEMA in the wake of a state disaster declaration or local disaster emergency. Individuals living outside of flood zones, and therefore not required to have a flood insurance policy, would be eligible for assistance. Retroactive assistance would be available to provide relief for those recently affected by natural disasters prior to the effective date of this provision.
 
Over the last three years, Pennsylvania was affected by 29 weather-related disasters exceeding one billion dollars in damages each. It is vitally important that we are better prepared for future events.
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania residents have access to support when they need it most.